Trump Cancels Plan To Debate ‘Second-Place Finisher’ Bernie Sanders

After suggesting a debate between himself and Bernie Sanders earlier this week, GOP nominee Donald Trump has since backed away from the proposal, claiming it would be “inappropriate” to hold a debate with Sanders, the “second-place finisher.”

“As much as I want to debate Bernie Sanders — and it would be an easy payday — I will wait to debate the first-place finisher in the Democratic Party, probably Crooked Hillary Clinton, or whoever it may be,” said Trump in a statement.

On Wednesday, Trump suggested a willingness to debate Sanders during a guest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, provided the proceeds went to charity.

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“Yes, I am [willing to debate Sanders],” Trump said. “How much is he going to pay me? If he paid a nice sum toward a charity, I’d love to do that.”

Trump doubled down on his suggestion the following day, claiming that such a debate could generate millions towards charitable contributions.

“If we can raise for maybe women’s health issues or something — if we can raise $10 million or $15 million for charity, which would be a very appropriate amount. I understand the television business very well,” Trump said Thursday during a press conference.

In response, the Sanders campaign released a statement claiming they had received offers from at least two television networks expressing a desire to host the event.

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“We look forward to a substantive debate that will contrast the very different visions that Sen. Sanders and Mr. Trump have for the future of our country,” read the statement.

Soon after, the Trump campaign released its own statement saying he was unwilling to participate, claiming the networks would “make a killing” with no guarantee they would donate to a charitable cause.

Sanders followed up by mocking Trump and telling reporters, “Well, I hope that he changes his mind again. Mr. Trump has been known to change his mind many times in a day.”

“Well Mr. Trump, what are you afraid of?” Sanders asked.

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Charitable benefits aside, a Sanders/Trump debate provides little political advantage for Trump. He has guaranteed his place as the Republican nominee and has little need to debate anyone beyond his Democratic presidential opponent.

Sanders, on the other hand, is locked in a desperate fight with Hillary Clinton, and needs all the attention he can get. A nationally televised event would have helped him achieve that goal.